Australian flag-bearer Anna Meares has claimed her sixth Olympic medal in the Keirin cycling final.
Meares came away with the Bronze medal in a tight and exciting final. Elis Ligtlee won the gold medal for the Netherlands while Rebecca James of Great Britain took home the silver medal.
The result put Meares achievements in a league of her own, becoming the only Australian athlete to win four individual medals at four Olympic Games. She has also now won more medals than any other Australian cyclist and has won medals in every sprint event on the Olympic track cycling program.
“I’m very proud,” Meares said to ABC media. “I had two goals for this competition and that was to better my place in the keirin from London, which was fifth, and to win a medal.
“I’ve done that – I’ve checked all my boxes.”
“Unfortunately I stepped into the bend three wide coming into the finish line and that cost me a little bit of speed. But at the same time I had to go, so I’m really pleased.”
Australian Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller told media she couldn’t be more proud of Anna.
“She’s been an inspiration as a team leader so far, and this will give the whole team a boost,” Chiller said.
In other cycling news, Laura Trott and team Great Britain team won the Women’s team pursuit. Trott, Joanna Rowsell-Shand, Elinor Barker and Katie Archibald finished with a world record time of four minutes 10.236 seconds to beat the United States in the final.
It was a special day for Trott as she became the first British woman to win three Olympic gold medals. Team Australia failed to reach the podium, finishing in 5th position. – Jesse Mullens.
Photo of Anna Meares from her personal Twitter feed.
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